IRS awards $36,000 to Jackson Co. Civic Action Committee

MOSS POINT, MS (WLOX) - The Jackson County Civic Action Committee will get a share a grant money from the Internal Revenue Service to support its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

The IRS announced this week it has awarded $36,286 to the Jackson County Civic Action Committee. It's one of 177 organizations across the country sharing more than $11 million matching grants. Under the VITA Grant Program, organizations will offer free tax preparation services during the 2011 filing season at locations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

"These funds will enhance the VITA program and the work of volunteer tax preparers who provide an invaluable service to millions of taxpayers each year," said Richard Byrd, Jr., IRS Wage and Investment Operating Division Commissioner.

The funds will be used to:

Enable VITA programs to extend services to under served populations and hardest to reach areas, both urban and non-urban

Increase the capacity to file returns electronically

Heighten quality control and improve the accuracy of returns prepared by the VITA sites

Enhance training of volunteers

There was a strong response to the 2011 VITA grant program with 374 organizations submitting applications requesting more than $33 million in matching funds.

VITA partners are organizations that provide free federal tax return preparation and electronic filing to low and moderate income individuals. For tax year 2010, individuals and families with an adjusted gross income of $49,000 or lower are eligible for assistance.

The VITA program has enjoyed tremendous support since it was created in 1969. For example, more than three million tax returns were prepared at over 12,000 locations during the 2010 filing season by volunteers working under either the VITA program or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly, another volunteer program sponsored by IRS.

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.